2012 chrysler 300 Reviews and News

2012 Chrysler 300

By
Automobile Magazine
- 11/11/2011

The makeover Chrysler performed on its large sedan for the 2011 model year was extremely successful. The 300 still feels like a big, broad-shouldered hunk of American muscle, but it exudes a surprising amount of European flair, thanks to LED headlamps, a stellar interior, and an available panoramic sunroof. Lest you think the company is content to rest on its laurels for 2012, Chrysler has made a surprising number of revisions. Two new trim levels -- the 300S and the 300C Luxury Series -- join the fold, allowing buyers to add a sporty look and sumptuous cabin materials, respectively. Cars equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 are now fitted with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and are once again available with all-wheel drive. The biggest news for 2012 is the 300's biggest engine. The performance-tuned SRT8 model rejoins the 300 lineup after a yearlong hiatus, and it's better than ever. A 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 provides a muscular 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and adaptive dampers pull double duty, curbing body roll on the track and soaking up bumps on the road. In fact, even the lesser 300 models offer a remarkably pleasant drive. With the advent of the eight-speed automatic on six-cylinder models, there's arguably less need than ever to opt for the 5.7-liter Hemi. The 3.6-liter V-6 offers respectable power without resorting to typical eight-cylinder gluttony, and the smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission both aids acceleration and bolsters fuel economy.

October was yet another good month for the Chrysler Group, at least in terms of new-car volumes. The company sold some 126,185 vehicles, which not only represents a 10-percent growth over last October, but the company’s best October sales result since 2007.

After taking a bit of a breather in May, consumers resumed their love affair with new cars in June. Shrugging off macro economic worries -- mostly having to do with the Euro -- buyers, low and behold, seemed more focused on matters closer to home, like the need to replace their aging set of wheels. Helping to nudge them in that direction were low interest rates, plentiful deals, and moderating gasoline prices.

CHRYSLER GROUP +20%

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP +32%

Chrysler may have worn out the welcome on its "Imported from Detroit" tagline that debuted during the 2011 Super Bowl, but the company has no qualms about reworking that memorable line for another, fictional city: Gotham City, home of vigilante superhero Batman. In a new commercial shown online and on TV networks, Chrysler will show off a modified version of its 300S luxury sedan that is "Imported From Gotham City."

Chrysler Group announced extremely strong sales results today, with the company's overall sales volume rising 30 percent year-over-year to 150,041 units in May. That represents the company's best May sales result since 2007, and 26th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains.All of Chrysler Group's brands saw its volumes increase compared to May 2011.

Recalls

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Consequences

THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected

119,072

Notes

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Summary

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 300 AND DODGE CHARGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Consequences

THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected

119,072

Notes

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

AIR BAGS

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.

Consequences

In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

Potential Units Affected

119,497

Notes

Chrysler Group LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Summary

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 AND THE CHRYSLER 300 SRT8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). AS BUILT, THE TPMS DOES NOT WARN THE DRIVER WHEN A TIRE IS 25 PERCENT BELOW THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE. THE RECALLED VEHICLES NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE REACHES 22 PSI RATHER THAN THE REQUIRED 24 PSI.

Consequences

UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE¿S TPMS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected

303

Notes

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:41

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Summary

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequences

If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.